TE Connectivity 643818-6 Rectangular Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 643818-6 is a 6-position rectangular receptacle connector from the MTA-156 series, designed for IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) termination with 20 AWG discrete or ribbon cable. This connector features a tin-lead contact finish, closed-end design with polarizing key, and free-hanging in-line mounting configuration. The part is currently active in production with 990 pieces available in new original inventory stock.

Identification of equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to address supply chain requirements, inventory optimization, and component availability across manufacturing cycles. Substitute parts must maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications to ensure direct interchangeability without circuit redesign or application modification.

Substiute Parts

643818-6

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 1099643818-6 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3-643818-6

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 20333-643818-6 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the TE Connectivity 643818-6 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Parameters:

• Connector type (Receptacle)
• Number of positions (6)
• Contact type (Female Socket)
• Pitch specification (0.156" / 3.96mm)
• Cable termination method (IDC)
• Wire gauge rating (20 AWG)
• Wire type compatibility (Discrete or Ribbon Cable)

Mechanical Compatibility Parameters:

• Mounting type (Free Hanging In-Line)
• Fastening type (Locking Ramp)
• Features (Closed End, Polarizing Key)
• Contact finish thickness (80.0µin / 2.03µm)
• Number of rows (1)
• Series designation (MTA-156)

Environmental & Compliance Parameters:

• Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL 1)
• Manufacturer (TE Connectivity AMP Connectors)

The substitute part 3-643818-6 maintains complete equivalence across all electrical and mechanical parameters. The primary distinction is the contact finish specification (tin versus tin-lead) and RoHS compliance status, which do not affect functional interchangeability in applications where the original part is specified.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Part Selection (643818-6): The TE Connectivity 643818-6 is the original specification part with tin-lead contact finish. This part is suitable for applications where RoHS non-compliance is acceptable or where legacy system compatibility requires tin-lead plating specifications. The part maintains active production status with adequate inventory availability.

Substitute Part Selection (3-643818-6): The 3-643818-6 is a direct functional equivalent with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. This substitute part is ROHS3 compliant, making it suitable for applications subject to RoHS regulatory requirements. The substitute maintains the same contact finish thickness, pitch, position count, and termination method. Higher inventory availability (1977 pieces) provides improved supply chain flexibility. Selection of this substitute is appropriate for new designs targeting RoHS compliance or for applications where lead-free contact finish is required.

Compliance Considerations: Applications requiring RoHS compliance must specify the 3-643818-6 substitute part. Applications with legacy specifications or specific tin-lead requirements must use the original 643818-6 part. Both parts are manufactured by TE Connectivity AMP Connectors and maintain identical mechanical and electrical performance characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are the 643818-6 and 3-643818-6 directly interchangeable?

A: Yes. Both parts are functionally equivalent across all electrical and mechanical parameters including connector type, position count, pitch, contact type, termination method, wire gauge, mounting configuration, and fastening mechanism. The parts differ only in contact finish material (tin-lead versus tin) and RoHS compliance status, which do not affect electrical or mechanical interchangeability.

Q: What is the primary difference between these two parts?

A: The main difference is the contact finish specification. The 643818-6 features tin-lead plating, while the 3-643818-6 features tin plating. Additionally, the 3-643818-6 is ROHS3 compliant, whereas the 643818-6 is RoHS non-compliant. Both maintain identical contact finish thickness of 80.0µin (2.03µm).

Q: Can I use the 3-643818-6 as a substitute in existing designs specified for 643818-6?

A: Yes, the 3-643818-6 is a direct substitute for the 643818-6 in all applications. The identical electrical and mechanical specifications ensure compatibility with existing circuit designs, PCB layouts, and mating connectors. The lead-free contact finish of the substitute part is compatible with standard IDC termination processes for 20 AWG discrete or ribbon cable.

Q: What packaging differences exist between these parts?

A: The 643818-6 packaging specification is not provided in the technical data. The 3-643818-6 is supplied in bulk packaging. Packaging differences do not affect component functionality or interchangeability.

Q: Which part should I specify for new designs?

A: For new designs subject to RoHS regulatory requirements, specify the 3-643818-6. For legacy systems or applications where tin-lead contact finish is specifically required, specify the 643818-6. Both parts are active in production and available from TE Connectivity AMP Connectors.

Q: Are both parts suitable for IDC termination with 20 AWG cable?

A: Yes. Both the 643818-6 and 3-643818-6 are designed for IDC termination with 20 AWG discrete or ribbon cable. The IDC contact design, locking ramp fastening, and polarizing key features are identical across both parts.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level for these connectors?

A: Both parts have a Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) of 1, which indicates unlimited moisture sensitivity. These connectors do not require special moisture control during storage or handling.

Q: Can these connectors be used with ribbon cable?

A: Yes. Both the 643818-6 and 3-643818-6 support discrete or ribbon cable termination via IDC method. The 6-position, 0.156" pitch configuration is compatible with standard ribbon cable formats for this connector series.